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Plenty of things in life are a “pain” to deal with. But one that can literally be painful and disruptive is tooth sensitivity. An estimated 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. experience sensitive teeth and there are a number of factors that play into why it happens. With this issue being so prevalent, it’s no wonder patients look to our West Michigan dentists for answers and solutions.
If you’re someone who suffers from sensitive teeth, keep reading to learn more about symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention.
One of the biggest symptoms of sensitive teeth is radiating pain, much like a toothache. More specifically, the discomfort is at the roots of the affected teeth, causing the pain to feel deeper. This is because tooth roots are not covered by hard enamel and have thousands of small tubules or channels that lead to the inner part of your tooth. Stimuli, like a drink, are able to go right through the tubules and easily aggravate the nerve.
Sensitivity becomes more obvious when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. Cold air, brushing and flossing teeth, or using alcohol-based mouthwash can also result in discomfort. Symptoms can range from mild to intense and may only appear when triggered.
Because having sensitive teeth is a commonly shared condition, several factors could be the real culprit. Some individuals even experience tooth sensitivity naturally due to age. Our dentists will need to inspect your teeth and gums to determine what the exact cause is.
Fortunately, there are ways to treat sensitive teeth. The caveat, however, is that the treatment depends on what the cause of sensitivity is. One of our dentists will need to perform a dental exam to check your mouth.
The findings from the examination will then influence the ultimate decision on treatment. If you have mild tooth sensitivity, our dentists may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste or a softer toothbrush. A fluoride gel applied to your teeth to strengthen enamel may also prove helpful.
For more severe cases, treatment options may include a:
Underlying medical conditions contributing to sensitivity should also be addressed and treated separately by a primary care provider to prevent further damage to enamel.
Assuming you are not predisposed to sensitive teeth, there are ways to prevent the condition altogether. You may have to make a lifestyle adjustment, such as watching the foods that you eat. Other tips are easy, like regularly practicing oral hygiene habits.
Tooth enamel serves as the hard, protective layer for your teeth. When this covering wears down, the layer beneath your enamel, dentin, becomes exposed. Dentin is less dense and contains small, hollow tubules as described above. Exposed tubules allow cold, hot, or acidic food and beverages to better reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. This causes sensitivity.
Sensitive teeth should not be ignored because our dentists serving West Michigan can help. We’ll analyze your specific situation and offer advice on next steps. Whether it be new toothpaste or gum disease treatment, we’ll provide guidance. Schedule an appointment today by calling one of our MI Smiles Dental locations or feel free to contact us online.
This blog post has been updated.
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